Trevino wraps up first successful trip to Whataburger Field

John Paul II grad Jose Trevino played his first games at Whataburger Field as a Frisco RoughRider this past weekend.
Len Hayward

Frisco catcher and John Paul II grad Jose Trevino watches a ball during a game at Whataburger Field. Trevino had never played at Whataburger Field before this weekend and hit a home run in his first at-bat on Thursday.(Photo: Charlie Blalock/ Corpus Christi )

Jose Trevino knew his path to the Texas Rangers would one day pass through Whataburger Field.

As a high schooler playing at John Paul II, he never had the chance to play at the home of the Hooks, and Friday night he made his debut at the field with a bang by hitting a home run in his first at-bat on the first pitch.

It was the perfect start for what was a great weekend for the Texas Rangers’ catching prospect and the family that gathered to watch him play this weekend as part of a four-game series.

“I thought, ‘Wow, that’s pretty cool,’” said Frisco manager Joe Mikulik, a native of Schulenberg. “You go through this game and a lot of players don’t get the chance to play in front of their families, or ever see them. He has been able to interact with a lot of family and friends and it’s fun to be a part of that.”

Trevino met with media prior to Friday’s series opener in the visitor’s dugout at and talked about the opportunity he has this weekend, but he also was focused on his task of continuing to work at being one of the top catching prospects in the Rangers organization. Trevino was listed as No. 19 rated prospect for the Rangers by mlb.com when the season began.

Trevino spent much of spring training in the Major League camp in Surprise, Arizona, learning as much as he could from the pitchers and other players that play regularly at that level.

Now with Frisco, he’s having the chance to use some of that knowledge and continue to build his resume within the organization. After Monday’s game, in which he started at catcher and hit fourth, he was hitting .289 with one home run and four RBI. He finished 4 for 13 during his stint at Whataburger Field this past weekend.

“Knowing those guys and getting to know that pitching staff and knowing what they like to do (was big),” Trevino said. “The knowledge of being able to play with those guys and being confident enough to stay on the same field with those guys as big leaguers from a guy who hasn’t got above A ball yet and now is in Double-A, it’s big.”

Mikulik said the goal is for Trevino to catch in 100 games this season. He has played in 11 of the RoughRiders’ 23 games as the start of his season was delayed because of an injury. Even with that time out, though, Mikulik is seeing the traits that make him someone those in the Rangers’ front office is keeping an eye on.

“He’s a natural leader, a motivator, he motivates himself, motivates others, leads others and he’s very well prepared,” Mikulik said. “If you can survive (in Double-A) and understand the process, and he has a routine like none other and his preparation for games is unbelievable.”

Trevino said playing in Corpus Christi gave him some preparation for playing as a professional, and added he likes all the work that comes with being a professional catcher outside of playing games. And is quick to point out it is not a job and that he has joy for the game every day he arrives at the park.

“I’m having too much fun to be working,” Trevino said. “I haven’t worked a day in my life ever since I got out of college.”